Gender Congruence and Social Mediation as Influences on Fathers’ Caregiving

This investigation compared two competing theories of parenting behavior, Gender Congruence Theory and Social Mediation Theory, in a sample of fathers and mothers using both role-level and domain-level measures, and scale and pie chart measures. Results provided support for both theories, but more consistently upheld the predictions of Social Mediation Theory than Gender Congruence Theory. The perceived behaviors of other fathers predicted fathers' own behaviors at both the role and domain level. Pie chart measures did not yield significant regression models for fathers and produced models of limited utility for mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Fathering: A Journal of Theory, Research, & Practice about Men as Fathers is the property of Men's Studies Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)